“If they think I’m going to care a curse——” he didn’t finish the sentence in his mind. It wasn’t true. He did care. His pride as well as his affection was involved in that episode. Any other man but Shining Mark! Then he put it resolutely aside and talked to May.
“I’m going home after this number,” May told him presently. “Some of these men have had one drink too many. I’m a little bit tired. I’ve danced everything but the supper dance.”
“They do get lit up once in a while,” Robin admitted. “How did you come? Buggy?”
“No, we all rode up. Dad and Bill Harper went home before supper. Billy doesn’t care much about dancing, and I think he had a little tiff with Rose.”
“I’m about ready to go myself,” Robin said. “I’ll ride down with you if you like.”
“Didn’t you bring a girl?” May looked at him curiously. “Isn’t it proper to take her home?”
“Sure. But she’s gone home already,” Robin answered evenly, “with another wild cowboy.”
May said nothing to that for a minute. Then: “All right, if you are going. Rose and Joe are having too good a time to leave yet.”
“I’ll find your horse and bring him to the door.”
“Thanks. It’s the chestnut I rode the other day. Will you know him?”